Immersing yourself in traditional Gurung and Sherpa village life and culture

Kathmandu; Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Patan

Explore both the Annapurna and Everest regions in style on this 2 week tour with gentle trekking between comfort lodges and charming mountain inns.

From being surrounded by the majesty of the world’s highest mountains to the slow pace of village life in the low foothills, this tour really does allow you to experience Nepal at its best. The trekking is easy and your accommodation is in Ker & Downey’s unique lodges and charming Yeti Mountain Homes, which all feature ensuite rooms, comfortable beds with sheets, blankets and hot water bottles. This allows you to really relax and enjoy Nepal at your own pace whilst in near-perfect comfort.

DAY 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Gokarna Forest Resort.

Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the temperate Gokarna Forest, the former Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. A winding road climbs through the forest, up to the main complex, comprising a mix of subtly majestic Malla period architecture, Rana period lodges, and sanctuaries harmoniously blending with nature.

A quiet peaceful haven set between ancient towering trees with glimpses of the second fairway in the valley below make the perfect getaway for golf, enchanting forest walks, relaxation and rejuvenation at the Spa, as well as time close to nature.

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort, (1300m) (B)

DAY 2: Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Sanctuary Lodge (1150m)

After breakfast, you transfer to the domestic airport for your 25 minute flight to Pokhara. This spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. On arrival you are met by your guide and trekking crew and then drive to Nayapul where your trek begins. Your walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village.

Trek: 2 hours

Overnight: Sanctuary Lodge, Birethani (1150m) (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Trek to Gurung Lodge, Majgaoon

Following a leisurely breakfast, you leave the Sanctuary lodge and trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge. This is a little used trail that starts off on a rocky path along the river bank and then meanders though a forested area. From here trek along a ridge to the village of Waday where there are far reaching views of the whole valley. Your trek then descends a short distance to a small but sturdy suspension bridge. After crossing this bridge, there is another uphill push passing through the small villages of Patlekhet and Majgaun before arriving at Gurung Lodge in time for lunch.

Trek: 3-4 hours.

After lunch, you may chose to hike with your guide to the nearby village of Tanchok, where there is a traditional house now made into a museum. You may also choose to visit the local school.

Trek: 1-2 hours

Overnight: Gurung Lodge, Majgaon (1400m) (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Trek to Basanta Lodge, Dhampus (1650m)

This morning you start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Your walk then takes you through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. The trail from Pothana to the lodge offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.

Trek: 4 hours

Overnight: Ker & Downey’s Basanta Lodge, Dhampus (1650m) (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Descent to Valley floor/Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor (1000m). You meet your vehicles here for the short drive to Pokhara airport and our flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the Gokarna Forest Resort for some rest and relaxation.

Trek: 2 hours

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort

DAY 6: Fly to Lukla (2804m) / Trek to Phakding (2610m)

Take a spectacular, short mountain flight to Lukla, the start point for your trek. From the trek start point at the Khumbu ’gateway’, it's gently downhill on pitched stone trails through low rhododendron forest, small 'garden' farms and old and new hamlets to the banks of the foaming Dudh Koshi River.

There will be plenty of short stops to meet the locals, take photographs and just soak up the scenery and the clear mountain air as we meander along, the undulating trail glimpsing views of 6000m snow-capped peaks high above.

Meander up through the many chortens and prayer wheels of Sano and along to your destination of YMH Phakding in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is free to rest in the riverside gardens or sun lounge. For those who wish to you'll make a short trip up to the higher village and delightful tiny gompa perched on the valley side.

Trek: 3 hours

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Phakding (2600m) (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Trek to Monjo (2835m)

After breakfast you trek to the village of Monjo. The gently undulating trail follows the right bank of the Dudh Koshi through Phakding village before the first of several river crossings today on wire suspension bridges. Continuing through pine forest and small villages you will come to a break in the trees to catch sight of the mighty Thamserku (6623m) towering way above. A couple more hours of woodland trails and swaying bridges brings us to the small village of Monjo. Your lodge for the night is located above the village with spectacular views of Thamserku and KusumKangri.

Trek: 3 hours

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Monjo (2835m) (B, L, D)

DAY 8:Trek to Namche (3535m)

A short walk from your lodge brings you to the gateway to the Sagamartha National Park. You'll stop here to have a look at the interesting 3D map and information boards whilst your guide sorts out our permits and entry. From here you've another 40 minutes or so to take you to the beginning of the climb to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar. The trail zig-zags up away from the river, gradually ascending to the tree line opening out into a high mountain bowl and the vibrant village of Namche.

Trek: 4-5 hours

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Namche (3440m) (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Namche (3535m)

Today you'll take a gentle walk to gain a little height and then have the afternoon free to explore the shops and cafes of this delightful little town. Your guide will take you to a couple of wonderful viewpoints to see the 'rockstars' of the mountain world spread out before you: Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Ama Dablam... they ring the deep valley sides in a magnificent arena. You should also be able to see the trails to Everest. If you're feeling energised we'll continue on to the delightful villages of Kumjung and Kunde with their health post and school both started by the Sir Edmund Hilary Fund.

After lunch you are free to head down to the Namche market to browse the shops, chat to the locals and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. You may also see the Tibetan traders who make a yearly journey over the high passes from the Tibetan plateau with their yaks laden with goods to sell at the markets. Late in the afternoon there's an option to visit Namche Monastery. The monastery is about 80 years old and has beautiful Thanka paintings of Tibetan deities.

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Namche

Day 10: Descend to Monjo (2835m)

After Breakfast, you descend back to Monjo. You will reach Monjo at lunch time. After lunch at the lodge, you are free to relax for the day.

Trek: 4 hours

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Monjo (2835m) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Monjo to Lukla (2804m)

You retrace you steps back to Lukla after breakfast passing through Banker and Phakding and following the trail to Lukla. You spend your final night in the Everest region here. This is also a good time to give your gratitude to your porter and trekking crew for their wonderful support and to bid them farewell.

Trek: 5-6 hours

Overnight: Yeti Mountain Home, Lukla (280m)(B, L, D)

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast you'll take a short but spectacular flight back to Kathmandu. When the weather is clear, this short flight will be one of the highlights of your tour with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. After landing, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have your free time to relax and enjoy spa after trek.

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort (B)

Day 13: Kathmandu

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you'll be met by our guide for our day trip to a few of the Kathmandu valley's most spectacular and important sights and some vibrant, colourful markets. With a blend of three ancient capitals and their associated palaces, temples and markets of Kathmandu has a lot to offer culturally and historically.

Overnight: Gokarna Forest Resort (B)

Day 14: Depart Nepal

Transfer to the Airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

On this in-style trekking trip we have carefully selected high quality accommodation both on trek and in Kathmandu.

During your trek in the Annapurna region you will stay 3 nights at Ker & Downey’s acclaimed trekking lodges in the Annapurna foothills. Ker and Downey lodges offer guests the opportunity to experience the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas in style and comfort whilst staying in en suite rooms with comfortable beds with sheets, blankets, down pillows and hot water bottles.

During your trek in the Everest region you will stay 6 nights in a series of charming mountain lodges at Yeti Mountain Homes. A step above the traditional teahouses, Yeti Mountain Homes provide indulgent comfort and high quality cuisine in en suite rooms with sheets, blankets and electric mats.

Single Rooms and Solo Walkers

Unfortunately this trip is not available to solo walkers, however if you do require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you, although there is a single room supplement payable.

Comfort Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge

The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre.

Comfort Lodge

Gurung Lodge

Gurung lodge is a charming collection of traditional houses and manicured gardens on the edge of the Majgaun village. Located at 4,620 feet the views of surrounding valleys are truly incredible and provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Comfort Lodge

Basanta Lodge

The Basanta Lodge at 4,920 feet in Dhampus offers panoramic views of the Phedi and Mardi Valleys. Nearby activities include nature walks through thick forests of bamboo, conifer and rhododendrons. This intimate lodge has only 8 rooms with panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range.

Yeti Mountain Home, Phakding

Phakding lodge at 2,610m, sits in a very tranquil spot on the banks of the river Dudh Koshi, with dramatic pine forested cliff faces on the opposite river bank. Enjoy the views from the pretty sunroom and later you can relax around the warmth of the fire.

Yeti Mountain Home, Monjo

Monjo lies at 2,840m on the edge of the Sagarmatha National Park. The lodge has 12 comfortable rooms with attached bathroom and hot shower. Nearby in the small village there is a small Buddhist Monastery and a primary School. It’s a quiet place, with few tourists stopping there, and so is perfect for relaxation and contemplating the natural surroundings.

Yeti Mountain Home, Namche

Namche Bazaar (3440m), the historical capital of the Kumbu, is the ideal place to spend two nights. The lodge offers the ideal homely retreat on the flanks of the horseshoe shaped valley with lovely views of Kongde Ri. Only 20 minutes behind the hotel you will find the panoramic vista opens up to include views of Everest, Lhotse and the beautiful Ama Dablam..

Gokarna Forest Resort

Situated within the city limits of Kathmandu Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest, the former private Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal.

Alternative Kathmandu Hotels

If you would prefer to stay in the heart of Kathmandu just let us know and we can book your stay at the Yak & Yeti Hotel or Annapurna Hotel for a small supplement. If you would like a touch of luxury in Kathmandu I would suggest booking the historic Dwarika’s Hotel, undoubtedly the finest property in Kathmandu. There is an additional cost for this.

Meals & Drinks

All meals except lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are included as is tea with meals. Whilst on trek an evening happy hour include local soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages. Other soft drinks, water and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Time of Year & Availability

This trip is available to start on any day of the year from the end
of September through to May. The most popular times to go trekking in
Nepal are October/November, when the post monsoon mountain air is clear
and fresh, and March to April when the weather is dry and pleasant and
the rhododendrons bloom. You can start your trip on any date in the
season.

Average daytime temperatures between October-November and April-May
range from approximately 25c in Kathmandu to approx. 14c at 3000m, and
approximately 3c at 5000m. From December through toApril, the
temperatures will be about 5c lower. Night time temperatures are lower
and willget to below freezing once above 3000m.

Guides & Porters

You will have a English speaking Nepali guide throughout your trek. Together with our sherpas, porters and lodge staff, our guests are assured a level of service and care essential to a safe, yet exciting adventure. We are proud of our intimate understanding of Nepalali culture and tradition and take pleasure in showing guests the true charm and courtesy for which the Nepalali people are known.

Fitness, Grade & Terrain

This trekking trip is graded moderate and includes 3 - 4 hours of trekking on most days with one day of 5 - 6 hours. The maximum altitude is 3535m. To get the most from this trip you should be comfortable walking for up to six hours through hilly terrain. You follow well maintained paths and tracks, away from the tourist trail. Some short sections can be steep so walking poles are helpful. During your walk you will be accompanied by an experienced guide so you do not need to navigate.

Altitude Sickness & Trekking at Altitude

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness is a major concern when
trekking in Nepal and although our itinerary is designed to minimise the
chances of you suffering from AMS each individual is affected
differently by altitude. The majority of trekkers will suffer from at
least mild altitude sickness.

Your leaders are all trained in dealing with AMS but your health is
your responsibility and you should educate yourself on AMS. If you have
any pre-existing health conditions that you think may make you more
susceptible to AMS we recommend that you consult your doctor before
booking this trip. You should also report any illness to your guide
right away.

Equipment

You will need comfortable walking/hiking clothes and footwear, warm and waterproof clothes and comfortable clothes fro the evening. We will send you a comprehensive packing list on confirmation of your booking.

Additionally we include the loan of a duffle bag, walking poles and water bottle if you require them. Down jackets, gloves and warm hats are provided at the lodges for cooler evenings.

Air Travel in Nepal

Due to the nature of our treks in Nepal, access to the start point is
often only possible by taking an internal flight. Flying in Nepal is an
acknowledged risk due to the changeable nature of mountain weather and
the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to
the same standards as those of the UK and other western nations.

However, we have taken steps to ensure that our customers travelling
to Nepal are as safe as they can possibly be by becoming stakeholders in
an independent air audit of Nepal airlines undertaken by UK tour
operators in 2015. This audit deemed several airlines as safe to fly to
with including Yeti Airlines and Tara Air, and our itineraries will only
include flights with these particular airlines. Tara and Yeti Airlines
have also fulfilled the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) which is a
new global safety standard for commercial airlines operating smaller
aircraft.

Whilst we have taken the above steps, you should be aware that flying
in mountainous areas like Nepal does carry with it a certain amount of
risk.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, (for example, proper rain gear jacket and pants, sun hat, sunscreen). Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Visa

Please be aware that you need a tourist visa for Nepal to enter. You can get this upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, where a few forms need to be filled out before you can go through customs. You will need to make sure you have the right amount of USD with you and two passport photos in order to obtain your visa. Alternatively Nepali embassies will also issue visas.

Flights to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from the UK and Europe via the Gulf or India. Airlines include Jet Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Kathmandu is also very well served from North America and Australasia.

Flights to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from the UK and Europe via the Gulf or India. Airlines include Jet Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways & Etihad Airways. Kathmandu is also very well served from North America and Australasia.

Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, including lunch, visiting Boudhanath and Durbar Square

Excluded

International flights to/from Nepal

Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu

Travel Insurance

Personal equipment

Nepal Visa

Extra drinks and snacks, hot showers, laundry

Excess baggage charges for internal flights

Tips for your trekking crew (expected, but not mandatory)

Extras

Additional nights

Accommodation upgrades in Kathmandu

Single room supplement

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as Nepal is extremely popular, especially over October/November and March/April. However, we will always try our best to accommodate your plans.

How fit do I need to be?

This trip is graded easy to moderate due to its relatively low level in terms of altitude. However it does include several days on consecutive trekking between lodges so a reasonable level of fitness is required. If you have any worries about this please do not hesitate to email or call our officee.

How is my baggage transported on trek?

Your bags will be transported on trek by local porters. We have a strict porter protection policy and, for this reason, we ask you to keep your baggage weight to a maximum of 15kgs per person. If you do want more luggage than this for your trip it is possible to leave items you will only want for Kathmandu at your hotel, thus helping to decrease the weight of the bag your are taking on trek.

What equipment do I need?

Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard trekking gear such as good walking shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack. Remember when you are staying in the trekking lodges you will need to have your own sleeping bag.

When is the best time of year?

The trekking season in the Annapurna and Everest regions runs from September to May. The most popular times are October/November, when the post monsoon mountain air is clear and fresh, and March to April when the weather is dry and pleasant and the rhododendrons bloom. Trekking is possible from December to February but it can be cold at night at high altitude.

Will I be affected by altitude sickness?

The affects of altitude vary between each individual; all our itineraries are designed to minimise the chances of you suffering from the symptoms of altitude sickness. However neither of your treks ascend very high, therefore there should be less risk of feeling the effects of altitude on this trip, as opposed to some of our others. Our leaders are fully trained and experienced in dealing with the issues related to altitude, in the unlikely event of it affecting you.

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Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Kathmandu
DAY 2: Fly to Pokhara, trek to Sanctuary Lodge
DAY 3: Trek to Gurung Lodge
DAY 4: Trek to Basanta Lodge
DAY 5: Trek to Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
DAY 6: Fly to Lukla/Trek to Phakding
DAY 7: Trek to Monjo
DAY 8: Trek to Namche
DAY 9: Namche
DAY 10: Trek to Monjo
DAY 11: Trek to Lukla
DAY 12: Fly to Kathmandu and overnight
DAY 13: Kathmandu
DAY 14: Depart Nepal

Is this tour for me?

This tour is perfect as an introduction to trekking as the days are fairly short and the accommodation is very comfortable so it allows you to relax and really take your time.

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